Step-By-Step Guide To Booking Your Galápagos Flights
From navigating airline websites to knowing which goods to declare, this guide details exactly how to book the Galápagos adventure of a lifetime.
- By:
Rebecca Braak
The Galápagos Islands are one of the world’s great bucket-list destinations for wildlife viewing. Straddling the equator about 600 miles (1,000 km) east of mainland Ecuador, this archipelago features 13 main islands with a biodiversity found nowhere else on earth. Due to its remoteness, there are no direct flights to these islands from outside Ecuador, so it’s best to book your Galápagos flights far in advance. You also need to know the exact details about how to arrive at the Galápagos Islands from the mainland, and this comprehensive guide has you covered!
Table of Contents
Arriving in Mainland Ecuador
In order to enjoy your grand Galápagos adventure, you first need to get to mainland Ecuador, in South America. Fortunately, Ecuador is well-served by international airlines, with direct flights and connections to major North American and European destinations. JetBlue, Delta, American Airlines, LATAM Airlines, United, Air Europa, KLM, and Avianca, among other airlines, are operating on a daily basis to domestic and international destinations.
Ecuador has two international airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil. Both have been ranked among the 50 best airports in the world. Additionally, Quito airport was recognized as the Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean in the 2020 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards.
Depending on your schedule, you might have to stay overnight on the Ecuador mainland. You can take this opportunity to discover the city — and there’s much to discover in both Quito and Guayaquil. In Quito, for example, you can visit the well-preserved old town, a historic sector of the city that dates to the 16th century and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, if you land in Guayaquil, you can visit “Las Peñas,” a neighborhood full of colorful houses, cafés, and art galleries. Stairs here lead up to a lighthouse and a lookout point offering magnificent views of the city.
Explore our Ecuador Mainland Tours
Declaration of Goods
As of 2024, Ecuador eschewed its paper “declaration of goods” form for a digital version. This is a sworn declaration that all travelers must complete upon entry to the country/Galápagos, disclosing certain items. These include cash/valuables over US$ 10,000, certain foods, plants, or harmful items. You can access the online form here.
Galápagos Tickets for Foreigners
Once you have your flight to Ecuador’s mainland, along with a cruise or island-hopping reservation, it’s time to book your flight to the Galápagos. This is necessary because most tour packages do not include flights from the mainland to the islands. To make sure you get the best deal, you’ll need to take some things into consideration.
Most importantly, be aware that airlines may offer different ticket classes for foreign visitors compared to nationals. It’s important to purchase the correct ticket type, as buying one for nationals as a foreigner can result in fines at the airport. This pricing structure is intended to promote sustainable tourism and support the local community. Always verify ticket details and regulations with the airline to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected fees.
Airports in the Galápagos Islands
There are major airports on three different islands in the Galápagos: Baltra (GPS), San Cristóbal (SCY), and Isabela (ISA). Baltra Airport is located at the northern tip of Santa Cruz Island, and it works 100% with renewable energy. From Baltra, it’s about an hour drive south across the island to the main town of Puerto Ayora.
San Cristóbal Airport is smaller yet more convenient as it’s a mere 10 minutes away from the island’s main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Lastly, Isabela Airport only receives flights from the other two islands, Baltra and San Cristóbal. There are no direct flights from here to mainland Ecuador.
What airlines fly to the Galápagos Islands?
Two major airlines offer direct flights to the Galápagos from mainland Ecuador. These are Avianca and LATAM. Each airline has its benefits; for example, frequent flyer miles and international connections. Also, if you need to book connecting flights from Ecuador to Lima, Bogotá, or any other international destination, it is recommended to purchase through Avianca or LATAM.
Booking Flights to the Galápagos Islands Yourself
Ticket prices depend on your nationality, so check the costs on the airline’s website first. Also, the lowest rates likely will not include carry-on luggage. While some airlines, like Avianca, do include checked bags in the quote for flights to Ecuador, no airlines currently offer free checked bags for flights from the mainland to the Galápagos.
When choosing your flights, we recommend opting for the earliest one on the arrival day and the latest one for the departure day. That way, you maximize your time in the Islands. We also recommend doing your web check-in in advance (24 to 48 hours) so you can go directly to baggage check upon arriving at the airport.
Avianca
- Go to the Avianca website.
- Pick between round-trip and one-way.
- Choose the departure city.
- Choose a Galápagos airport.
- Choose your travel dates.
- Select age and number of passengers.
- Select a rate.
- Select your seat.
- Enter luggage details.
- Enter card details.
LATAM
- Go to LATAM website (LATAM Ecuador)
- Pick between round-trip and one-way.
- Pick a seat class.
- Select age and number of passengers.
- Choose the departure city.
- Choose a Galapagos airport.
- Choose your travel dates.
- Select your flights.
- Select your seat.
- Enter luggage details.
- Enter card details.
Booking Flights and a Cruise to the Galápagos Islands
If you book a cruise to the Galápagos Islands, it’s obligatory to purchase flights, too. Some cruise operators can book the flights for you, but oftentimes you’ll need to make reservations separately. This can be problematic for some travelers, as airlines and cruise providers have strict rules regarding schedules and cargo/baggage weight. For example, if you book a flight to the incorrect airport in the islands, you might be liable for high cancellation fees. Also, cruise ships depart at designated times and won’t wait for travelers who are late. When possible, it’s best to organize your flights through the cruise company you select.
Flight Schedules When Taking a Galápagos Cruise
Even if you don’t book a flight directly through your cruise operator, they’ll be happy to advise you which exact flights to book. This is because, usually, the full tour group arrives on the same flight and departs on the same flight. Again, if you book separately from the group, you do run the risk of being left behind should there be any delay in your flight schedule. To be safe, always try to arrive on the island at least a day before your cruise is scheduled to depart.
Book Your Galápagos Flights and Cruise Together
Booking Flights to the Galápagos with an Island-Hopping Tour
If you book a Galápagos island-hopping tour, it’s vital to know the details of all flights/airports that are part of the itinerary. For example, you’ll need to know the specific airports where you arrive/depart, as well as any inter-island flights included in the tour. Ask your destination expert about the included flights for your island-hopping tour.
Find Our Best Island-Hopping Tours Experience
Which Airport Should You Fly Into for the Galápagos Islands?
Since there are different airports in the Galápagos Islands, you have to be careful when booking your flights. There are two main airports, Baltra Airport (GPS) and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY).
Some Galápagos island-hopping tours start at Baltra, just north of Santa Cruz Island, and others at San Cristóbal. The travel time from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, the main town in Santa Cruz, takes about one hour, as you have to take a bus, a boat, and a car. When you arrive in San Cristóbal, it’s a mere 10 minutes by car to get to the village of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Galápagos Island-Hopping Tours Starting and Ending in Baltra
- 5-Day Galápagos Expedition
- 8-Day Galápagos Island Hopping Budget
- 5 Day Galapagos Multisport
- 5 Day Luxury Galapagos
Galápagos Island-Hopping Tours Starting and Ending In San Cristóbal
Galápagos Island-Hopping Tours Starting in San Cristóbal and Ending In Baltra
To plan your dream trip to the Galápagos Islands, contact us, and one of our Destination Experts will be happy to help you every step of the way. Expect a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Galápagos Islands Flights: FAQs
Which airports serve the Galápagos Islands?
The main airports in the Galápagos Islands are Baltra (GPS) and San Cristóbal (SCY). There is also a smaller airport on Isabela (ISA), which receives flights only from the other two islands.
Which airlines offer flights to the Galápagos?
Flights to the Galapagos from mainland Ecuador are primarily offered by two airlines: Avianca and LATAM.
How long are the flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos
Flights from Quito to the Galápagos take approximately 2.5 hours (usually with a 30-45 minute stopover in Guayaquil. Flights to Galápagos from Guayaquil typically take 1.5 hours to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Do I need to fly to mainland Ecuador first?
Yes, to get to the Galápagos Islands, you must first book an international flight to one of the two main airports in mainland Ecuador: Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil. From there, you will take a domestic flight to the islands.
Should I book my flights separately from my cruise?
If you are taking a cruise, it is often required to book your flights through the cruise line directly. If you book your flights separately, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before your cruise starts to avoid any issues with potential flight delays or cancellations.
Further Reading
- How to Plan Your Galapagos Vacation
- Can you visit the Galapagos Islands on a budget?
- Why Should Ecuador Be On Your Bucket List?
